Blue Raven Solar Review 2024

Blue Raven Solar Review: Everything You Need to Know

In business since 2014, Blue Raven Solar has quickly become one of the fastest growing residential solar providers, with locations in 19 states and counting. Blue Raven offers a range of services from initial consultation to final installation and maintenance of its panels and systems. With a strong reputation in the industry for delivering value and quality, Blue Raven has positioned itself as a reliable option for homeowners looking to transition to solar energy.

In this Blue Raven Solar review, we’ll take a look at their cost, the products they offer and the warranties and guarantees they use to back those products. We’ll also look at some of the reported pros and cons of working with the company based on company reviews, customer testimonials and side-by-side comparisons of other companies. 

Pros and Cons of Blue Raven Solar

Any company will have its perks and drawbacks when stacked against the competition. Below, we’ll go over some of the commonly cited pros and cons of choosing Blue Raven as your home or business’s solar provider. 

Pros

• Competitive Pricing: Blue Raven offers competitive prices compared to other solar providers, making solar energy more accessible to a wider audience.
• Comprehensive Service: They provide end-to-end services, including consultation, installation, and post-installation support, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
• High-Quality Products: Blue Raven uses reputable solar panels and components, contributing to reliable and efficient energy production.

Cons

• Limited Custom Options: Compared to some competitors, Blue Raven may offer fewer customization options than other companies. 
• Shorter Warranty: Blue Raven offers a shorter warranty on its labor than many other competing providers. 
• Not Available Nationwide: Blue Raven is only available in 19 states: Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.  

What Does Blue Raven Solar Offer? 

Blue Raven Solar installs just one type of solar panel made of monocrystalline. This material is considered a higher efficiency option over polycrystalline options. Their panels come in a modern, black finish which they say blends better into most roofs for the most aesthetic result. These high-efficiency panels are designed to maximize energy output. When you purchase panels with the company’s financing option, BluePower Plus+, you’ll receive a 25-year manufacturer warranty in addition to the Blue Raven production guarantee for 10 years on the workmanship, design and installation of the system. You’ll also receive what they call “worry-free repairs” during the first two years. 

Blue Raven also makes guarantees about the production output of its systems and will make adjustments to your system by adding new panels if your system consistently fails to produce at least half of the projected output. 

One advantage to using solar power is the ability to store and save additional power in battery form should there be an outage. Batteries are also useful in charging electric vehicles. Blue Raven offers two battery types: Tesla and FranklinWH. These batteries come with a 12-year warranty.

Without a battery in place, your excess power goes back to the grid. Many utility companies will allow you to sell that excess power for profit through an arrangement known as net-metering. This option varies by state. 

Blue Raven also provides additional services such as system monitoring and maintenance to ensure long-term performance.

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How Much Does Blue Raven Cost? 

Blue Raven’s standard residential solar panel system generally costs between $19,000 to $24,000. This price includes the panels, inverter, labor, and any necessary equipment. This pricing reflects an average of $3.67 per watt for a system starting at 5kW. The total cost can vary depending on the size of the system, the type of panels, and any additional features such as battery storage. Your particular cost will also vary as a result of the size of your home, your location in the country, and the availability of the necessary equipment and labor. 

Blue Raven advertises that customers will pay no money down for the design, permitting, and installation of their systems. In fact, customers won’t pay for their solar power for the first 18 months after the system has been installed. Most customers will opt for financing when installing Blue Raven Solar, and the company also promises fixed monthly payments for the duration of any loan.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Blue Raven Solar

Several factors can influence the cost of a solar installation with Blue Raven:

• System Size: Larger systems that generate more power will be more expensive. Of course the size and design of your home – specifically your roof – will determine what size system and panels your home can accommodate to begin with. 
• Panel Type: High-efficiency panels typically cost more but offer better performance. Blue Raven specializes in monocrystalline panels, which are considered highly efficient. 
• Owning or Renting Panels: For many homeowners, the upfront cost of installing solar panels just to save money in the long run is prohibitive. For that reason, many companies offer programs where you rent or lease panels or purchase them through financing. Blue Raven customers own their panels, which is a factor to consider when looking at what your system will cost. 
• Installation Complexity: Difficult installations, such as those involving complex roof structures, will likely cost more when it comes to labor. 
• Geographical Location: Costs can vary based on local regulations, incentives, and market conditions. Blue Raven also points out that solar panels will vary in their effectiveness based on your location. In general, they say the closer you live to the equator the more productive your panels will be. 

Blue Raven Solar Review: The ROI

Choosing solar is an investment in the future of the planet and your own pocketbook. Not only does this sustainable method of energy production help to offset the use of electricity while reducing carbon emissions, it also saves you money on your electric bill overtime by harnessing a free energy source. Of course, the investment comes when you pay for the tools that allow you harness that energy. For that reason, many who have solar panels installed know that the return on investment comes years down the road. Many estimate it takes between 5 to 12 years of having solar panels for your savings on power bills to meet your initial investment. 

If you’ve chosen to invest in solar, then investing in Blue Raven Solar specifically is a good choice given their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. The company’s competitive pricing makes solar energy more attainable, while their comprehensive service ensures a smooth installation process. Blue Raven says its customers save up to $50,000 on their energy costs over time after switching to solar. 

Blue Raven uses a product called BluePower Plus+ to help customers save while paying for their systems. This financing offer covers the first 18 months of solar loan payments so customers can use that savings to pay against their system. Of course there are also federal tax breaks and rebates that apply to all companies and systems which you might qualify for. 

Blue Raven vs. Its Competitors 

Compared to other major solar companies like SunRun, Blue Raven is known for its attractive pricing and high satisfaction for customers across multiple review platforms. Negative reviews are few and far between and mostly mention problems with scheduling appointments and not indictments on the quality or performance of the product itself. One criticism of Blue Raven is that they don’t offer ways to lease their systems and they don’t use solar power purchase agreements where you essentially rent panels without paying a large sum upfront.

Is Blue Raven Right for Me? 

Blue Raven Solar is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a balance between cost and quality. They are particularly suitable for homeowners who want a straightforward installation with a good value proposition.

While some customers say Blue Raven is inconsistent in its customer service, the company as a whole has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau demonstrating its excellence. 

The company offers financing, backs its products with warranties and they donate to a foundation called GivePower, which uses solar power to clean water. Blue Raven makes it easy for customers to choose solar and ushers them through a sometimes complicated process from initial consultation to design, permitting, installation, inspection and maintenance. 

If you have specific needs for customization or are looking for the highest-end solar technology, you might want to explore other options, but for many, Blue Raven offers a practical and effective solution.

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